Korea Republic women’s national team suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of the United States.   

Colin Bell’s side lost 6-0 against USA in the second match of the friendly series at the Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday, having held the hosts to a goalless draw in the opening game last week. As it turned out, the Stars and Stripes bounced back with a goal fest to celebrate Carli Lloyd’s swan song.

Bell rang a couple of changes to the side that had kept the hosts at bay in the first game: Lee Geummin started as a lone striker flanked by Jang Selgi and Choo Hyojoo; Cho Sohyun, Ji Soyun and Choe Yuri in midfield; Lee Youngju, Hong Hyeji, Lim Seonjoo and Kim Hyeri at the back; and goalkeeper Kim Jungmi.

As it was the case in the series opener, the United States dominated the game after early exchanges, whilst the visitors struggled to defend on the flanks. Lindsey Horan drew first blood after nine minutes, latching onto a Sophia Smith cross from the right to fire a shot past Hong.

Despite the early blow the visitors managed to regroup and smother the waves of attack. Smith went twice close to doubling her side’s advantage, before Lloyd shot just wide on 16 minutes. Mallory Pugh was then denied by Kim Jungmi three minutes later, after the livewire forward was put through on goal by Lloyd.

Bell responded by bringing Jeong Yeonga on for Choe on 26 minutes, in an attempt to strengthen the defence in midfield. The hosts were dominant in terms of both possession and organisation, as they surged forward searching for more opportunities to score. Lloyd curled an effort from the edge of the area that Kim managed to get her hands on, and then Andi Sullivan shot just over the crossbar.

The visitors fell further behind on the stroke of half time, as Sullivan’s header off a corner was deflected by Cho before going into the net. It was recorded as an own goal by the Tottenham midfielder.

Bell deployed Choo up front after the interval, as the Taegeuk Nangja were desperate to claw their way back into the match. And they almost did four minutes after the restart, when Jang intercepted and passed the ball to an onrushing Ji, who made her side’s first attempt on goal of the evening. Son Hwayeon then came off the bench to replace Lee Geummin, as the coach added some fresh feet to reinforce the attack.

However, it was the hosts that still dominated the game and looked more likely to score midway through the second half. Kim Jungmi did well to stop Lloyd’s header off a Pugh cross, before Smith’s effort from the right side of the box hit the side netting. Lloyd was replaced on 65 minutes, as the legendary striker walked off the pitch surrounded by a standing ovation.

Korea Republic then conceded the third goal of the night, as the USA’s super subs combined to score their third on 69 minutes: Megan Rapinoe’s pass from the left found Alex Morgan, who put the result beyond doubt with a clinical finish from close range.

Cho Mijin came off the bench to replace Kim Hyeri, as the fullback made her international debut on 73 minutes. The visitors went forward to create a chance to counter, but the goal they needed to reduce the deficit proved elusive. Ji’s effort was deflected by a defender before Jane Campbell smothered the ball with ease.

However, the visitors got depleted and could not prevent the hosts from scoring in the closing minutes. Rapinoe headed home from an Emily Sonnett cross with five minutes remaining, before Rose Lavelle was on target with an effort from the right side of the area. Tobin Heath then set up Lynn Williams for the sixth goal deep into added time.

International Friendlies

United States 6-0 Korea Republic

Scorers: Horan 9’, Cho Sohyun 45’ (o.g.), Morgan 69’, Rapinoe 85’, Lavelle 89’, Williams 90’+2

KOR: Kim Jungmi; Lee Youngju, Hong Hyeji, Lim Seonjoo, Kim Hyeri (Cho Mijin 73’); Jang Selgi, Cho Sohyun, Ji Soyun, Choe Yuri (Jeong Yeonga 26’), Choo Hyojoo(Lee Jeongmin 90'+2); Lee Geummin (Son Hwayeon 51’)